The East London Shakespeare Festival (ELSF) has once again proven its knack for making the Bard’s works accessible, engaging, and downright fun with their latest production of As You Like It.
This year, the festival has ventured beyond its East London roots with a full program of performances at all compass points of London.
A Festival in the Forest of Arden
Reimagining the Forest of Arden as a lively festival of music, cabaret, and revelry, ELSF’s As You Like It is a joyful, family-friendly romp that blends Shakespeare’s wit and romance with contemporary London culture. The production is packed with high-energy musical numbers, slapstick comedy and audience participation, making it an unpretentious and thoroughly enjoyable introduction to Shakespeare for all ages.
The show’s playlist is a delightful mix of pop classics – think P!nk, Katy Perry, My Chemical Romance, and Lady Gaga – alongside original music by Sonum Batra.
This modern soundtrack, combined with the traditional text, creates a unique and accessible experience that even first-time Shakespeare audiences can follow with ease.
A Standout Cast and Community Spirit
The ensemble cast delivers fantastically funny performances, with George Prove and Ethan stealing scenes with their comedic timing and charm. This community-focused ethos is at the heart of ELSF, and it’s wonderful to see young apprentices given the opportunity to shine.
Adding to the fun, an unsuspecting audience member finds themselves in a starring role, and the younger members of the audience are kept engaged throughout with interactive moments and opportunities to join in the music-making.
A Joyful Shakespearean Adventure
ELSF’s As You Like It is a brilliant blend of tradition and modernity, bringing Shakespeare alive for contemporary audiences with its signature madcap energy and musical mayhem. It’s a lot of fun, unpretentious, and perfect for families or anyone looking for a fresh take on the Bard.
We had a fantastic trip to the Forest of Arden and can’t wait to see where ELSF will transport us next year. If you’re looking for a joyful, high-energy introduction to Shakespeare, this is the production for you.
Here’s the remainder of the program as at time of publishing:
Clissold Park, Hackney, 17 – 20 July
Lauderdale House, Highgate, 23 – 24 July
Valentines Park, Ilford, 25 July
Royal Observatory, Greenwich, 26 – 27 July
Charterhouse Square, Barbican 31 July
Langthorne Amphitheatre, Leytonstone, 01 August
Leyton Jubilee Park, 02 August
Big Penny Social, Walthamstow, 03 August
Gunnersbury Park, Acton, 27 – 28 August